Teaching and Research Assistant

The Social Lab examines how individuals are influenced by and influence their social context. The research group led by Johannes Ullrich uses lab and field experiments, surveys, computer simulations, and other tools, to better understand these mutual influences. Our main research interests concern cooperation and conflict between individuals and between groups and the psychological processes of coping with current societal challenges.

Our research is relevant for understanding and fostering social cohesion, political participation, conflict resolution and reconciliation. We engage in problem-oriented teaching with relevant use cases, consult politicians and practitioners, interact with diverse media, and give public lectures and workshops to return evidence-based insights to society.

Examples of ongoing projects include understanding how the Swiss population thinks about wealth inequalities in Switzerland, how perception of past and future societal changes influences readiness for political participation, and how perceiving global interdependence relates to support for multilateralism. All of these are examples of the link between collective problems and individual experience and behavior – the core task of social psychology.

Your responsibilities

• Research (Designing experiments and survey studies, statistical analyses, preparing results for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences, mainly for the purpose of a cumulative dissertation on a topic related to the current research interests of the social lab, for which at least 70% percent of a full-time equivalent will be reserved)
• Teaching (1 seminar per academic year; supervision of B.Sc. and M.Sc. Theses; Development of teaching qualifications through courses)
• Administrative tasks such as exam supervision and other team duties

Your profile

• A MSc or equivalent in Psychology or a related discipline (preferably from a Bologna compatible 2-year MSc program)
• Experience with conducting empirical research
• Excellent research methods knowledge and statistical skills
• Very good command of English (written and oral)
• High motivation to develop a PhD proposal compatible with the research interests of the Social Lab
• Interest in teaching and willingness to develop your teaching skills

In addition, it would be desirable if you had:

• German language skills or willingness to learn German
• Programming skills relevant for simulation and experimentation
• Open science skills
• Interest in reading on your topic beyond disciplinary boundaries

We offer:

• Work in a friendly and supportive team
• A job with growth potential and social significance for a duration of 48 months
• Opportunity for a PhD dissertation, and support for pursuing a career in research
• Enrollment in a structured PhD program with excellent opportunities for further qualifications

Information on your application

Please submit your application as one PDF-file including:

• Motivation Letter
• CV
• List of publications and/or other contributions to science
• Master Certificate or, if not yet available, Transcript of Records
• Master Thesis or, if not yet completed, draft of Master Thesis

The deadline for applications is August 7, 2026. We will review applications starting August 3, 2026, until the position is filled.

Wir bieten

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing), Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH
• Learning and Development: Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich, Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich
• Food: Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias, Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution
• Healthcare: Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ, Free seasonal flu vaccinations, Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower
• Discounts: Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space, Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
• Conditions of Employment: Policies of the UZH, Most UZH staff are employed according to public law
• International Services: Support for people from outside Switzerland
• Campuses: Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren, Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg